Dreaming in Cuban

by Cristina Garcia

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Summary

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Dreaming in Cuban weaves a rich tapestry of familial ties across three generations, all set against the backdrop of Cuban history and politics. It opens with Celia del Pino, an elderly matriarch, steadfastly observing the ocean from Cuba's north coast, deeply committed to the ideals of the Revolution and "El Lider." The narrative structure is unconventional, unfolding through multiple perspectives and shifting timelines, offering a layered exploration of family and identity.

The Narrative Structure

The storytelling in Dreaming in Cuban is nonlinear, blending past and present through various points of view. The narrative intertwines first-person accounts from Celia, her daughter Lourdes, and granddaughter Pilar, alongside excerpts from Pilar's diary. These diverse perspectives are interspersed with flashbacks, predominantly focusing on Celia's memories, which paint a vivid picture of the family's history.

Letters to a Lost Love

Celia's past is poignantly captured through a series of letters to her first love, Gustavo Sierra de Armas, a Spanish lawyer. Even after Gustavo's departure to Europe in 1935, Celia continues to write to him monthly until 1959, the year the Cuban Revolution triumphs. These letters not only chronicle Celia's dedication to the Revolution but also her emotional evolution as she speaks of it in the present tense from her perspective.

Felicia's Turbulent Life

Felicia, Celia's second daughter, remains in Cuba, yet she views her country's political climate as oppressive. Her turbulent personal life is marked by three marriages, all of which end unhappily. Felicia's first husband, Hugo Villaverde, whom she attacks in 1966, is a distant presence in the narrative. Her subsequent marriages to Ernesto Brito, who dies in a grease fire, and Otto Cruz, whom she marries during a blackout, highlight her chaotic journey.

Visions and Insanity

Both Celia and Felicia experience periods in mental institutions and have recurring visions of Jorge Del Pino, Celia’s deceased husband. Lourdes and Pilar, residing in New York, also see him in their dreams, each receiving advice tailored to their own lives. Despite differing advice, these visions provide comfort, affirming their thoughts and actions, even when they diverge.

Lourdes: The Capitalist Dream

In stark contrast to her mother, Lourdes embraces capitalism in New York, where she runs a bakery with plans for expansion. Her entrepreneurial spirit is encapsulated in Yankee Doodle Bakeries, her vision for a franchise across America. Lourdes' pursuit of the American Dream sets her apart from Celia, reflecting their ideological divisions.

Pilar's Quest for Identity

Pilar, through her diary entries, brings the family's story full circle. Immersed in American culture, yet feeling a profound connection to her Cuban roots, she navigates her identity by rebelling against her mother and exploring her grandmother's legacy. At one point, she ventures as far as Miami, contemplating a return to Cuba, which illustrates her inner conflict and longing.

The Political Undertones

The novel's political themes are articulated through Pilar's journey, as she grapples with beliefs contrary to her mother's capitalist ideology, exploring atheism and communism. Meanwhile, the youngest family member, Ivanito, remains disengaged from politics at thirteen, highlighting the generational divide. In the closing scene, Lourdes attempts to secure Ivanito’s future by taking him to Havana and urging him to leave Cuba with financial aid.

The Last Letter

The story concludes with Celia's final letter from 1959, written in the aftermath of the revolutionary victory. Her resolution to dedicate her life to the cause signals an end to her correspondence with Gustavo, symbolizing a new chapter for Celia and her unwavering commitment to the Revolution.

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